noun
firing line; in the line of fire
Figurative use: the position of being the target of criticism, questions, or attacks. Almost always used in the set phrase 矢面に立つ (to stand in the firing line).
See also: 矢面に立つ
新部長は就任早々、矢面に立たされた。
The new department head was put in the firing line right after taking office.
彼
She stood in the line of fire at the press conference and answered questions.
noun
in front of a flying arrow
Original literal meaning: the direction from which arrows come. Now rare and mostly historical; the figurative sense is dominant in modern Japanese.
古文書には、矢面に立つ武士の姿が描かれている。
In old documents, warriors are depicted standing in front of flying arrows.
This is the idiomatic phrase using 矢面; it means 'to bear the brunt of criticism' or 'to be the target of attacks'.
Compound of 矢 (arrow) and 面 (face, direction). Originally referred to the direction from which arrows come; later extended figuratively to any situation where one faces attacks or criticism.